Linda Ward is the president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services, Inc., where she has spent more than 22 years leading one of the region’s most trusted nonprofit providers of long-term and hospice care. With 42 years of experience in healthcare leadership, she is committed to expanding access to compassionate, high-quality medical services while strategically investing in initiatives and infrastructure improvements to benefit both patients and the people who care for them. With this mission as her guide, Gulfside has expanded its campus footprint and outreach efforts, grown into an $82 million organization serving more than 1,000 patients daily, and built a dedicated workforce of 520 employees.

Known for leading with passion, creativity, and integrity, Linda has become a trusted voice in her field, frequently speaking on topics including leadership, organizational management, financial recovery, customer loyalty, and marketing. She also plays an active role in shaping industry standards and community support through her service as an Executive Committee member for the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association, as well as a board member for the Florida Home Care Association and the YMCA.

Outside of the workplace, Linda maintains a focus on self-care, balancing her passions for volunteering, spending time with loved ones, and training for her next marathon. In these, as in everything she does, she remains guided by the same philosophy: to act with humility and intention, and to make every day count.